Sunday, March 15, 2009

South Korean architects, Unsangdong, conceived "Dancing Apartments." According to the architect, the structure is “characterized by oblique forms. Each individual volume is an apartment unit, with its own terrace. Giant "S" cantilevers act as structural levels, compensating for each unit's load.”

From an architectural engineering standpoint, this project looks to pose a fun challenge of load distribution and stress.

The renderings, though, left me a bit perplexed, as the trees planted on the terraces looked to only have 6 to 8 inches of soil in which to grow. Perhaps one of those splashy features that the developers waggle in prospective buyers' faces, only to rescind it, once the non-refundable downpayment has been received, and reality takes effect.

For the long term, I recommend moss.

The 'Tetris' style puzzle pattern of apartment units doesn't appear to bode well for fluid traffic or livability, and the random, oblique angles are redolent of arbitrary, thematic architecture, but I guess it sells.

Indeed, this Unsangdong project, to me, will remain unsung.

Nonetheless, the project does promote green roofs, which mitigate impervious cover and heat island issues. We support it, and encourage it.